Memories from Llanwrtyd Wells

Sir,

Nice to see Llanwrtyd Wells getting a spot of publicity, but even I know the Baptist Church isn’t the Station, although I’ve only recently arrived here. Your captions got crossed it seems!

However, far from being a ghost town, It is the centre of a flourishing Pony Trekking Association, and anyone wanting a complete change from the chaos of the roads couldn’t wish for a better centre.

Mention of the J.M.B. three-wheeler brings back memories of the Coventry-Victor I had in 1933. Boasting a 600-c.c. o.h.v. horizontal twin engine, it possessed two gears, and one merely got out and lifted the rear end round when “reverse” was required. (It weighed very little—not more than 400 lb. at most.) Unfortunately, it was far from reliable, and I was unable to get much satisfaction from the firm. I was at the time “Hon. Sec.” of the Ilkley Motor Club, and contributing “On Three Wheels” to the lamented and sadly missed Light Car of that era, “proof” to the manufacturers that I was sadly misusing the beast.

Thinking back, I am amazed at the way in which it held the road, and the service it did give in the few months I owned it. Youngsters of today will be unbelieving—but this model cost £75.

Sometime around then, I road-tested the KB Special. I wonder if there are any left? This was produced by King Brothers, of Otley, the local agents for Morris, who fitted a very sporty little body to a standard Minor chassis to which they had made modifications. It was doomed, of course, once the M.G. Midget got cracking.

I have a fund of memories, covering not only motorcycles but the old Austin square four 12, the early Morris Cowley (which I drove before I was old enough to own a licence). Morgan three-wheeler. etc. I do hope any enthusiast who may find himself in this area will call in for a chat. There is good beer to be had here, too!

H. Sagar.
Llanwrtyd Wells.

[Captains were reversed, and our amateur readers spotted what our professional readers failed to do.]